Kelly Ripa's New 'Live!' Co-Host Is Reportedly Michael Strahan

August 22, 2012 02:50:29 GMT

An insider from Disney ABC Television Group confirms the former NFL star will take the seat next to Ripa starting September 4.

The new permanent co-host of "Live! with Kelly" has allegedly been unveiled. Following announcement that Regis Philbin's replacement would be introduced during a September 4 broadcast of the show, words now run rampant that Michael Strahan is the one who nabs the job.

The news was first brought to attention by Broadcasting & Cable, which cited multiple people with knowledge of the situation as their sources. An unnamed executive at producer Disney ABC Television Group later confirmed to USA Today that the former New York Giants player is indeed Kelly Ripa's new partner.

After ending his NFL career in 2008, Strahan joined the "Fox NFL Sunday" and starred on short-lived sitcom "Brothers". He is expected to maintain his job as a co-host on the weekend sports program while co-hosting the ABC morning talk show.

ABC refused to comment on the report and will make the official announcement on September 4. A day prior, Ripa will kick off the new season solo, marking the first time she'll lead the show alone.